Looking for the perfect spot to spend Labor Day weekend? Try Boulder, Colorado! Join the Travel Brats as they kick off September with a trip to the renowned town of Boulder, Colorado. Boulder, a staple city in Colorado, is at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. From its artsy Pearl Street to the majestic Flatirons, Boulder is hard to beat, especially in September!
The Boulder Farmers Market on Saturday Morning is a must! Find the most fresh produce, food trucks, coffee, and other goods here on Pearl Street. Once you finish with the Boulder Farmers Market, mozy around Pearl Street. Don't forget to visit our favorite stores, Peppercorn, Where The Buffalo Roam, Art Source International, Art Mart, and Jones + Co. Also, all outdoor stores have a shop on Pearl Street.
Another great spot in Boulder is the campus of Colorado University. Explore the stone architecture, attend the summer Shakespeare Festival, and visit or walk around CU's Museum of Natural History, Art Museum, and Heritage Center. Other noteworthy Boulder museums are the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, the Boulder Museum, The Gallery at the Bus Stop Apartments, and East Window.
If you enjoy a good "walk in the park," check out Wonderland Park, Shanahan Ridge Park, Marshal Mesa, and Crestview Park.
The best Boulder coffee spots are the Laughing Goat Coffee, Moxie Bread Co., Amante Coffee, Red Rock Coffee, and Ozo Coffee. Our top picks for brunch are Luciles Creole Cafe, Walnut Cafe, The Buff, Doug’s Diner, Snooze, The Parkway Cafe, and Dot’s Diner.
Our favorite lunch spots are Mountain Sun (a sister restaurant of the Southern Sun), Le Frigo, Le French Cafe, Shamane's Bakery, and Wayne's Smoke Shack. The Brisket and Banana Pudding are incredible at Wayne's, but be sure to get there early as they open at 11:00 AM and close when they run out.
Try the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, Salt, and The Kitchen American Bistro for a more upscale lunch or happy hour in and around the famous Pearl Street. The Cuban Sandwich and Carrot appetizer in the Kitchen will keep you wanting more.
For an upscale Dinner, Japango’s sushi is out of this world, and Frasca Food and Wine is a renowned dinner spot with a seasonal menu, perfect for a special occasion. If you are into luxurious Spanish meats and Tapas, try Corrida. For a fabulous view, visit the Flagstaff House and for A+ ribeye specials and flatiron steak, visit Cork. Carelli's has the best Italian cuisine in Boulder, and the garlic bread is "to die for." I highly recommend the Ravioli in vodka sauce or the Pesto Penne. For an American Bistro, try Oak at Fourteenth and for an original farmhouse kitchen, try Bramble and Hare; for great seafood, try Jacks on Pearl.
If you are looking for dinner and a show, the Boulder Dinner Theater has excellent performers and delicious food! We saw the Sound of Music there and had chicken cordon bleu, German chocolate cake, and coffee at intermission.
Colorado is known for its brewing, especially in Boulder. Boulder's best local beer can be found at the following breweries: Bohemian Biergarten, The Southern Sun and Mountain Sun, Avery, Twisted Pine, Senitas, and Upslope. If you venture outside of Boulder, try 4 Noses in Broomfield, Trve, Melvin and Oskar Blues in Denver, and New Image Brewing in Arvada. Try the Nachos, Chorizo Cheese Fries, and on-the-house sours at New Image!
Besides a cold beer, another excellent way to cool down from the Boulder heat is the Boulder Reservoir—Kayak or paddleboard in the fresh cool water with a stunning view of the Mountains.
There is abundant hiking around Boulder. Our favorite trails are the Flat Irons, Green Mountain West, Senitas, Royal Arch, Rattlesnake Gulch, Doudy Draw, and Bear Peak.
A staple of Boulder is the Flat Irons. A popular and very close hike is the First and Second Flatirons Loop. This short (2.7 miles) yet challenging trek takes you on a loop around the first and second Flat Irons with an Elevation gain of 1,427 ft. Keep in mind that the trail shifts to being extremely rocky, and during colder months (after October), hikers should bring microspikes or crampons as this route can get snowy and icy, significantly closer to the top!
Green Mountain West Ridge Trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail with a 682 ft elevation gain that gives you fantastic views of the Front Range and the Flatirons, with a vast panorama at the top of the hike. This hike is excellent all year round, but the best time to hike the trail is March through November. This hike takes an average of 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete. Remember, it is considered a more challenging route, and dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
Mount Sanitas hike is a personal favorite. This 3.2-mile hike gains a 1,256 ft elevation over 2.15 hours. This challenging loop starts at the Centennial Trailhead on Sunshine Canyon Drive. The peak offers beautiful views, with enough challenge to get you sweating. From this trailhead, you follow a steady incline trail north on Mount Sanitas Trail. Keep in mind that sturdy boots are needed due to a sometimes washed-out trail with parched dirt in the summer. The summit of Mount Sanitas has a spectacular view of Boulder and the mountains to the north and west.
Royal Arch is a challenging 3.4-mile out-and-back hike that is popular for snowshoeing and running. Royal Arch has a 1,469 ft elevation gain, and the best time to hike it is March through October.
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is a 3.6-mile loop hike that is beautiful year-round. Rattlesnake Gulch is a popular and more relaxed trail for hiking and snowshoeing and has a 974 ft elevation gain.
Doudy Draw is a moderately challenging 4.9-mile hike with a 587 elevation gain. It is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and running.
If you are looking for heights, check out Bear Peak - The highest peak in Boulder. Bear Peak is a 8.2-mile out-and-back trail with a 2,906 ft elevation gain. It is challenging and popular for hiking and running.
